Aleksander Ceferin clears path to consider new UEFA term after Real Madrid accord | OneFootball

Aleksander Ceferin has removed one of the few remaining obstacles to any bid to stay beyond 2027 by striking an accord with Real Madrid over the Super League. L'Équipe reports that the deal would end the club's legal action seeking 4.5 billion euros from UEFA.

At Thursday's UEFA congress in Brussels, Ceferin and FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino both welcomed the breakthrough after years of conflict and abortive breakaway plans, and Real Madrid is now set to fall into line.

From the podium, Infantino congratulated Ceferin, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who also leads the EFC, the European clubs' association, and Real Madrid chief Florentino Pérez, saying football prospers when united.

Ceferin, who fought the 2021 revolt by elite clubs, also hailed the truce and singled out Al-Khelaïfi, thanking him and admitting the battle had left him tired.

Al-Khelaïfi said they had wasted time and money and would now work together on the future.

The Slovenian, 58, gave no hint about his plans at the congress, but has positioned himself to pursue another four-year term if he chooses. Many European officials in Brussels believe he may do so, though he still needs to find the right message.

Two years ago in Paris he had UEFA statutes amended to allow a fresh mandate, then immediately said he would not stand. Any change of course now could be smoothed by the newly restored unity and possible calls from multiple federations.

Source: L'Équipe